Director of Construction in Olympia, Washington at South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International focused on providing affordable housing solutions in Thurston and Lewis counties. We believe that every person, no matter who they are, deserves a decent place to live. Our work includes building new, energy-efficient homes, preparing households for homeownership, guaranteeing affordable mortgages to homebuyers, performing critical housing repairs, and running two successful resale stores. It is an exciting time at South Puget Sound Habitat as our immediate goals for the future include three new developments and hundreds of repair projects, drastically outpacing our past production—and we are working to scale our operations to meet these goals.

POSITION SUMMARY

The director of construction is instrumental in creating and implementing order and direction for our construction activities. They help establish long-range strategic direction, and then put in place the systems, people, and policies to meet them. Specifically, they are directly responsible for setting goals, building and monitoring budgets, hiring and developing a competent field team, creating detailed development and unit projects/schedules, acquiring and managing a land pipeline, coordinating predevelopment needs, and effectively communicating across interdependent internal work areas. Indirectly, through the management of their team and systems, the director ensures all construction projects are executed safely, on-time, on-budget and to quality standards. Additionally, as a part of our leadership structure, they help establish and maintain an effective, inspirational, and welcoming organization in support of our mission.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

You are an experienced professional with significant project management, construction, architectural, or real estate development know-how—and you want to put your expertise to service for mission-focused, non-traditional construction operations. You understand the critical importance of people development and multi-level planning, and you have the outstanding communication, project management, technology, and proactive leadership skills to grow and sustain effective, quality-oriented, volunteer-friendly home construction developments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibility: Planning, Resourcing, and Team Development (30%)

The director is responsible for establishing long- and short-range production plans for construction projects, and for aligning resources and developing a team to successfully deliver plan goals. Responsibilities generally include:

In collaboration with the senior director of programs, colleagues, and board, shape the construction program components of the organization’s ongoing strategic and annual plans; ensure plan adherence and progress communication. Develop construction budgets and budget monitoring practices; ensure funding compliance throughout projects.Plan for and incorporate third-party compliance requirements into operational and project procedures and reporting.Establish and set expectations for quality performance, including standards of accountability, construction methodology, task execution, project management, record keeping, external/internal communication, and relationship management. Identify the necessary staffing and volunteer capacity and roles needed for construction objectives, meeting current demand, and anticipating/preparing for future growth. Provide the leadership and team building necessary to recruit, hire, train, and retain a high-performance, safe, diverse workforce – including staff, subcontractors, and vendors – that continuously embraces the vision and values of South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity.

Key Responsibility: Land Acquisition and Predevelopment (30%)

The director brings structure and relationship building to, and drives the success of, our construction land acquisition and predevelopment targets. Responsibilities generally include:

Develop land acquisition standards, policies, and timelines that address and balance homebuyer, community, and organizational use considerations.Lead land acquisition and banking efforts to ensure a continuous three- to five-year development and production pipeline; leverage relationships and public and private programs to acquire and bank land as cost-effectively as possible.Oversee and actively manage through to completion all pre-development activities, including but not limited to architect engagement, master planning, home design, due diligence, subcontracting, and permitting, ensuring compliance in each step.Work across teams to facilitate meaningful community and homeowner input and communications on all developments. Work with architects and marketing team to prepare illustrative site plans, etc. for marketing, fundraising, and communication purposes. Build and maintain relationships necessary to influence land and production objectives (e.g. contracted specialists, staff in key jurisdictional departments, inspectors, donors, and volunteers, etc.).

Key Responsibility:

The director ensures the quality, cost, and timeliness of construction production. Responsibilities generally include:

Create and maintain adherence to detailed schedule and cost budget for each project, holding all related parties accountable to targets and bids; provide progress reports and forecasts. Create and/or improve critical tools, programs, and team development opportunities for construction (e.g. safety management, quality-assurance protocols, take-off templates, task protocols, record-keeping integrity, project templates, staff training, etc.).Integrate risk management and site security and maintenance protocols into all efforts; constantly evaluate for potential setbacks and creative opportunities; actively manage issues to adequate resolutions.Oversee the management of all construction activity, ensuring the construction team is adequately resourced to successfully deliver complete and quality homes, providing expertise, counsel, and trouble-shooting resources to team as needed.Ensure projects meet all deadlines and quality standards required of external funding sources and partners.Establish a documented structure for project close-out, including, as appropriate, securing as-built surveys, appraisals, inspections, and completing all punch list items, paperwork, verifications, due diligence, etc., and managing properties to transfer.Establish a construction site culture where staff are empowered to, and capable of, leading and motivating volunteers in the successful production of assigned projects.

Key Responsibility: Leadership, Teamwork, and Inclusivity (10%)

All team members are responsible for contributing to overall organizational health through positive collaboration, leadership, personal integrity, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Responsibilities generally include:

Maintain a “team first” outlook, supporting the success of the team and the mission in attitude, ideas, and actions; lead by example and with active, creative input for growing and improving the organization.Meet and endorse organization standards for record keeping and information sharing.Contribute to organization events, helping as necessary with set up/take down, management, networking, various tasks, etc.Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding institutional racism and building cultural competency.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

At least seven years of work experience in construction, real estate development, or planning in a professional setting; residential preferredAt least three years of work experience in construction project management in a professional setting (may be a part of above)At least three years of management/supervisory experience in a professional setting (may be a part of above)Bachelor’s degree in related field (construction, real estate, urban planning, architecture, engineering, etc.) or equivalent combination of education and professional experience

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Detailed knowledge of developing housing projects, within deadlines and budgets, from start to finish, including residential construction document creation and assessment, building practices, sequencing, and code compliance; interest in emerging practicesAbility and experience in implementing industry-standard construction safety management and overseeing industry-standard quality management practicesProven ability to execute competitive, public funding-aligned bid and contracting processes.Proficient with technology-based project management systems and common workplace productivity applicationsExceptionally organized with the ability to prioritize for scheduled and unexpected deadlinesAdvanced relationship building skills and a facility for working constructively with a variety of people; strong verbal and competent written communications abilitiesPositive and solution-oriented with track record of readying and motivating teamsProven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretionAbility to pass a background and reference checkCommitment to the South Puget Sound Habitat mission and core values

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Familiarity with regional and state building/developer requirements (e.g. prevailing wage, apprenticeships, environmental reviews, permitting, inspections, etc.) Positive existing relationships with regional vendors, subcontractors, and jurisdictional building departmentsUnderstanding of challenges facing populations with low incomesFamiliarity and experience with Habitat for Humanity construction operations, generally

CORE VALUES

Successful team members share the following core values:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion: We value diversity and aim to make our workplace and services accessible and welcoming to all, especially those who are most often marginalized and misunderstood.People First: We consider the human impact of our decisions and prioritize well-being as well as closing equity gaps.Community: We understand that we are connected to one another and that we must root our efforts in trust and collective achievement.Future Generations: We strive for lasting change. Our plans, our designs, our decisions don’t just impact the here and now; they are opportunities to serve future generations as well.Integrity: We do what we say we will do, and we do it honestly, ethically, and equitably. We hold ourselves accountable for our actions.

DETAILS

Reports to: Senior Director of ProgramsSupervises: Approx. 4-7 direct or indirect FTEHours: 40 hours per week. Typical business hours with some flexibility for preferred schedules. Construction site hours are Tuesday-Saturday, typically 7am-3pm. This role has traditionally followed a Monday-Friday schedule, but the successful candidate may choose a schedule that suits their responsibilities. Occasional evening and weekend work is required and adjusting schedules to balance is encouraged.Compensation: Salaried. Position range: $83,000-$106,000; hire range: $83,000-$95,000.FLSA Status: This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); it does not earn overtime for additional time worked.Benefits: 26 vacation/sick/personal days initially, increasing over time; 13 holidays; 85% employer-paid health, 50% employer-paid dental, 100% employer-paid vision; Simple IRA with 3% match.Environment: This position will be primarily based in our office located at 910 5th Ave SE in Olympia. It can be reached by car or public transit. The building is accessible. This position will have a desk, computer, and phone line in a designated space. Frequent offsite local travel is required to reach our active construction sites in our service area. Current active sites are located in Tumwater, Yelm, and Olympia, and all require use of personal or company vehicle to access efficiently. Active sites have typical construction hazards of changing and uneven ground, obstacles, machinery, exposure to weather changes, etc. Sites have water and all required tools. The position will also regularly visit our warehouse in Tumwater and other local destinations (e.g. stores, jurisdictional offices, etc.). Limited regular remote work is acceptable.Conditions: Must be able to lift 30 pounds repeatedly, walk on uneven ground, climb to and stand at heights, stand for long periods of time, and drive all construction vehicles and trailers. This position requires bending, kneeling, lifting, grabbing, and carrying items. It also requires regular use of a phone, computer keyboard and screen, communication with others, reaching with arms and hands, and sitting for extended periods. Training: This successful candidate will be onboarded and initially trained through a combination of in-person, online, and written trainings; they are expected to take the initiative to review materials as needed and seek understanding of new developments in order to perform their responsibilities. Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to secure and maintain a Competent Person safety designation and may be asked to attend other training and certification programs, at company expense, as identified. Disclaimer: This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties nor required skills. Employees may occasionally perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities to meet the needs of the organization.

APPLY

Submit your cover letter and resume through the portal found at: spshabitat.org/learn-more/careers. For priority consideration, apply by June 14, 2026. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications form individuals of all backgrounds, including those historically underrepresented.

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity employer. This organization does not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability status, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Updated: May 2026